James Van Der Beek is auctioning off beloved pieces of Dawson’s Creek memorabilia to help fund his continued battle against Stage 3 colorectal cancer.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now,” the Dawson’s Creek actor, 48, told People.
The hit teen drama ran from 1998 to 2003 and starred Van Der Beek in the titular role of Dawson Leery. Other key cast members include Katie Holmes as Joey Potter, Joshua Jackson as Pacey Witter, Michelle William as Jen Lindley and Mary Beth Peil as Evelyn “Grams” Ryan. Among the many collectibles being sold are memorable clothing items — including the outfit Dawson wore in the pilot episode — props, and set pieces. Live in-person bidding will take place through the Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction in London on Dec. 6, and worldwide bidding online will open on Dec. 7.
It’s been reported that 100% of the money made from the sale of the keepsakes will go to the father-of-six — who shares kids Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek — to help pay for his ongoing cancer treatments.
“While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore’s auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years.”
How James Van Der Beek’s Kids Have Handled His Cancer Battle
Van Der Beek first announced he’d been “privately” fighting colorectal cancer with the support of his “incredible family” in a statement shared with People in November 2024. Eight months later, during an appearance on the Today show, the Dancing With the Stars alum likened cancer to a “full-time job” as he struggled with the tougher days and juggled the many “unknowns” that came with the diagnosis. However, one thing that he and his wife have not done is completely hide his health struggle from their children.
“I’m far from an expert, but our approach was just be as honest as possible, as honest to the degree of their understanding, right? Because they know,” he explained at the time.
Van Der Beek added that his children can “sense” when he’s having a difficult time or when he’s in pain, so not telling them about such a major situation that was going on in his life would have only served to confuse them even further.
“When you tell them what you’re doing, and you tell them the approach, they can see it, and they can feel it, and I think it’s also your journey is their journey. Don’t rob them of the opportunity for them to show up for you, emotionally … I have kids making me tea. ‘Dad, what do you need?’ There’s been a lot of beauty that’s come out of it.”
- Release Date
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1998-00-00 – 2003-00-00
- Network
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The WB
- Directors
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Greg Berlanti